5 FRANCHISE SUPERSTARS
Outstanding leadership that helps franchisees.
Each year Inside Franchise
Business encourages franchise executives to submit entries showcasing how they have supported franchisees, delivered best practice and been brilliant ambassadors for the franchise sector.
These standout performances are then judged by a cross-section of franchisor, franchisee and industry suppliers to find the Top 30 franchise executives
So here’s a sneak peek of the top five for 2020.
1. MARK MCGINLEY CEO, COURIERSPLEASE
Mark excelled in 2020, matching his swift action to support franchisees with a clear focus on sustainability.
He was instrumental in providing tools to help franchisees’ productivity while initiating measures to secure their health and safety and establishing a financial support structure for franchisees forced to self-isolate.
Last year Mark steered the fuel-dependent courier business towards lower carbon operations, and extended the network’s environmental reach with sustainability partnerships.
He has overseen considerable growth in the business over 2020, with both franchisee and team member numbers increasing.
The judges commended Mark for making decisions with great foresight, using technology to bolster business, showing unwavering commitment to the health and safety of his franchisees and making time to champion sustainability.
2. BEN FLINTOFF GM, BASKIN-ROBBINS
Ben began the pandemic in a positive mode, providing strategies and tools to help franchisees, creating solutions to reduce costs and introducing promotional campaigns to boost sales with a focus on delivery and digital.
The year has also been about wider community support, with Ben volunteering in bushfire-ravaged areas, and developing other community-based initiatives.
He has promoted the franchise sector through the media, invested in his own personal development, and championed solution-based thinking as a way to tackle challenges.
“The trust placed in us by our franchise partners, by our stakeholders and by our guests remains a continuous source of motivation,” he says.
3. BEN FLETCHER, FOUNDER AND CEO, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Quick and decisive action meant Ben was able to head off the worst impact of the pandemic and come through the year with all franchise sites trading well.
His actions included innovations to provide revenue opportunities for his franchisees, such as upgrading systems and focusing on digital solutions.
He also set up business foundations for future growth, signing off on an LYTB Academy for personal trainers.
Ben says it was crucial to adapt very fast, increase communication and support all stakeholders on multiple levels.
4. AARON SMITH FOUNDER, CHIEF CULTURAL OFFICER, KX PILATES
During 2020 Aaron displayed his passion for helping people thrive, including taking action to improve the partnerships and culture between franchisor and franchisees.
“New leadership in 2021 comes with empathy and compassion, with more focus on growing our people than growing the business,” he says.
He impressed the judges with his attention to research and development, and smart use of technology to the betterment of the business.
5. ZOE FARRELL, HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, SAN CHURRO
A franchise professional whose strategic product leadership really stood out in a year when franchisees needed every tool available to boost business.
As a result of Zoe’s initiatives, franchisee sales increased, and the franchisor’s service effectiveness improved.
Throughout the year she displayed a positive growth mindset, not only in the strategies she employed but by maintaining her personal and professional development and her morale-boosting support for team members.